Wounded Ravens fly north

THE AUTUMN break has failed to bring any respite for Bridgend's ongoing injury problems as they face a selection crisis ahead of their Welsh-Scottish League clash with Edinburgh Gunners at Myreside tomorrow (7.30pm), writes Matt Lloyd.

THE AUTUMN break has failed to bring any respite for Bridgend's ongoing injury problems as they face a selection crisis ahead of their Welsh-Scottish League clash with Edinburgh Gunners at Myreside tomorrow (7.30pm), writes Matt Lloyd.

Exasperated coach Dennis John has taken a 26-strong squad to the Scottish capital in a bid to cover all possibilities following a series of late fitness tests later today.

The Ravens are suffering from a lack of cover out wide with wingers Dafydd James, Daniel Jones and Mike Peters all injured and Gareth Jones recently departed for Pontypridd.

Cerith Rees (groin) is also a doubt as are forwards Aled Griffiths (knee), John Thiel (Achilles) and Maama Molitika (knee).

"We're really suffering again from injuries," said John.

"We were hoping that a number of the lads were going to recover a little quicker during the break than they have so we've had to bring a few of the under-21 boys to help out.

"A number of players are 50-50 and we'll be having a few late fitness tests."

They include young wing Richard Mustoe, 20 on Sunday, full-back Anthony Carter and Ynysybwl-born rugby league convert Gareth Dean.

Scrum-half Jason Hewlett has also served his ban after being sent off against Munster last month, while John Devereux and Chris Ferris both resumed training this week from their respective injuries.